Commas unit 02

Commas (Continued)

Unit 2


Unit 2 Commas (Continued)
 Items

in a Series

 Introductory

Phrases and Clauses

 Conjunctions

Unit 2 Commas (Continued)

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Items in a Series
Commas separate words or phrases listed in
a series. When and or or precedes the last
word or phrase in a series, a comma is
placed before and or or.
–

I purchased a rug, a sofa, and a lamp for my
new apartment.

–

You can contact me by letter, by phone, or by email.

Unit 2 Commas (Continued)

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Tryout Sentences
1.

Please complete the application prepare your resume and
compile a list of references.

2.

My new parrot is young vibrantly colored and very vocal.

3.

The shop’s newest ice cream flavors are green tea lychee
mango and jasmine.

4.

Darnell’s latest additions to his curio cabinet are an
antique teapot a crystal decanter and a porcelain vase.

5.

Every Saturday a local farmer’s market sells vegetables
fruits and pastries.

Unit 2 Commas (Continued)

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Introductory Phrases and Clauses
An introductory phrase or clause is usually
followed by a comma.
–

Until notified to the contrary, we will cancel your
service.

–

As the ship left the harbor, the passengers waved
from the decks.

Unit 2 Commas (Continued)

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Tryout Sentences
1.

Without a reservation you cannot be assured of a room
at this hotel.

2.

As I crossed the finish line the crowd applauded wildly.

3.

Before signing the contract read it very carefully.

4.

While Devore was eating dinner she read the
newspaper.

5.

When you finish the test leave the room quietly.

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Conjunctions
A comma separates two independent clauses
that are joined by a conjunction such as and,
but, or, and nor. The comma is placed before
the conjunction.

–

The architect submitted a proposal, but she was
not selected for the project.

–

Write your name at the top, and wait for further
instructions.

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Tryout Sentences
1.

The soprano has laryngitis and she cannot go on.

2.

I work in the Editorial Department but am requesting a
transfer.

3.

He made a decision and then changed his mind.

4.

Follow the instructions or you will make a mistake.

5.

The members approved the amendment and their
vote was unanimous.

Unit 2 Commas (Continued)

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